Uninsured or Underinsured Motorcycle Accident

Some people try to play the system by driving without insurance or without the right kind of insurance. There have even been stories of individuals who will secure insurance to purchase a car or obtain a license and then cancel their policies. Before purchasing a motorcycle, we highly recommend you read our Tips to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents page.

For motorcyclists, this can be a devastating experience. As of 2012, about 1 in 8 (or 12.6%) of drivers across America were uninsured. In California, our rate is slightly higher at 14.7%, according to the Insurance Information Institute. It is vital that motorcycle drivers carry uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage in their insurance policies to cover the costs associated with an accident, including paying for injury and property damage. The California Motorcycle Attorneys protect your rights when you are injured in an uninsured or underinsured motorcycle accident in California.

What Is Uninsured or Underinsured Motorcycle Coverage?

Uninsured motorcycle accident coverage allows you to pay for costs associated with the accident if the motorist at fault does not have coverage to pay your expenses. In some cases, you may also file a lawsuit against the driver for damages. In other cases, a lack of insurance may indicate an inability to pay, meaning a lawsuit wouldn’t help you recoup those funds.

You should know at the time of the accident whether or not the responsible driver has an insurance policy. If a driver has no insurance, your policy will cover the costs associated with your injuries. If a driver is insured, you may find he or she does not carry enough insurance to cover your medical expenses or property damage after the fact. In this case, your uninsured or underinsured motorcycle accident coverage would kick in and compensate you for the remaining expenses.

Make a claim quickly if you find out the other driver is uninsured or underinsured. Ask your insurance provider early on about the timeframe to file a claim. For some providers, it may be as little as 30 days.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Many uninsured motorcycle accident cases are hit-and-runs. You may never find the party responsible for causing your accident. If possible, get license plate and other identifying information from the hit-and-run vehicle. This information may be vital in identifying the responsible party in your accident. If you do not find the criminal responsible for your accident, your uninsured or underinsured motorcycle accident coverage will cover the costs of medical expenses, emotional trauma, lost wages and future earning capacity, and even funeral expenses. As experienced uninsured or underinsured motorist accident lawyers in California we are known for our results-oriented approach and for the caring, personal attention we give each any everyone of our clients.

Do I Need an Attorney if My Insurance Company Is Covering the Accident?

You may want to consult a specialized California uninsured or underinsured motorcycle accident lawyer even if you are using your own policy to cover the costs associated with the accident. Even though an insurance company sells you a policy to cover your accident, you may find the representatives become difficult to work with after an accident. They may refuse your claim, offer an inadequate amount of compensation, or otherwise treat you unfairly. They will investigate your injuries, medical treatment, and more, and may make inaccurate conclusions based on their limited information. In these “bad faith” scenarios, you will need an experienced attorney by your side to fairly address the situation.

At the BD&J Law Firm, we specialize in motorcycle accidents in California, and are seasoned in uninsured or underinsured motorist accident law in California. We understand and litigate cases involving uninsured and underinsured motorists regularly, and we can help you secure the compensation you need to recover. Do not let an uninsured or underinsured motorcycle accident experience frighten you. Protect yourself with comprehensive policy coverage, and contact us if you have any questions about the process. We know how to handle uninsured motorcycle accident claims, and we will work hard to make sure you do not have to struggle with medical expenses after an accident an uninsured or underinsured motorcycle accident in California.